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DRAFT RECOMMENDATION (13158/2025 – C100346/2025 – 2025/0287(NLE))

On the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands (2025-2032)

PECH-PR-779323

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez

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The draft report recommends that Parliament give its consent to the Council decision concluding the Protocol to the EU-Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement for 2025-2032. The Protocol sets fishing opportunities for 4 tuna purse seiners and 40 fishing days per year, with an annual EU financial contribution of 460,000 EUR, split between access and sectoral support. The rapporteur stresses sustainable management, scientific cooperation, coherence with other EU cooperation areas, and concerns about China's influence in the region.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes that Parliament give its consent to the new protocol.

Key points

  1. Parliament gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.
  2. The Protocol covers seven years and aims to update cooperation, promoting sustainable fisheries and responsible exploitation in Cook Islands waters.
  3. Implementation should use the best available scientific advice, with scientific cooperation as a key part of the partnership.
  4. Fisheries relations should be coherent with other EU-Cook Islands cooperation areas, including environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic cooperation.
  5. The Protocol provides fishing opportunities for 4 tuna purse seiners and 40 fishing days per year in the Cook Islands' fishing zone, a reduction from the last protocol.
  6. The annual financial contribution is 460,000 EUR: 165,000 EUR for access and 295,000 EUR for sectoral fisheries policy support.
  7. Sectoral support will help implement Cook Islands' fisheries policy, develop the sector, ensure decent working conditions, combat illegal fishing, and support small-scale fisheries.
  8. The rapporteur raises concerns about China's activities and influence, urging the EU to uphold and explore partnerships for stronger rules-based ocean governance.
  9. The Commission and Council must respect Parliament's rights and keep it fully and promptly informed at all stages of implementation or renewal.

Who is affected

  • EU fishing vessels operating in the area, which gain access to Cook Islands' fishing zone.
  • The Cook Islands, which receive financial support for fisheries policy and sectoral development.

Figures and deadlines

  • 4 tuna purse seiners
  • 40 fishing days per year
  • 460,000 EUR annual financial contribution
  • 165,000 EUR for access
  • 295,000 EUR for sectoral support

Legal basis: Article 43(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union